Wee One Wednesday: Fundraising

One of the primary deterrents that keeps people from adopting is the cost. I read that of the many, many people who have considered adoption, only 2% end up proceeding with it, typically due to the high cost. And it's true: adoption is expensive, whether one chooses to adopt domestically or internationally. HOWEVER, of the friends I have talked to who adopted, they all shared that it was amazing how God came through to help with the finances, whether it be through surprise bonuses at work at just the right time or successful fundraising in numerous ways. 

While the financial component was certainly something my hub and I discussed early on in our decision-making process, it was not something we wanted to stop us from pursuing this path. We also talked extensively about fundraising, consulting with several friends about it, hearing varying opinions about whether or not we should do it, and ultimately deciding what felt okay for us, personally. In the end, we decided that we would feel comfortable doing some fundraising for our adoption, albeit only in the form that would allow us to offer a service to others. As a stay-at-home momma, I am not in a position to put in extra hours in a paying job to earn more money, seeing as how I am paid in hugs and laughter (and while invaluable, I'm pretty sure China won't accept those as payment). ;)

So, I began brainstorming ways that I could offer services to others and put any earnings made directly toward our adoption. I am now thrilled to announce that there are several ideas in the works, in part due to personal interests that I enjoy doing and in part due to the generosity of much-loved friends who have offered their own talents and time to help us raise funds.  

So, all that being said, here is what is in the works to help raise funds to bring our girl home: 

Stirred By Hand -- With deep gratitude to a local friend, who has adopted her own two daughters from the Philippines and initially created Stirred By Hand to help fund her own adoptions (and now uses the business to support others' adoption efforts), I was given the opportunity to sell some of her DELICIOUS, homemade caramels in the weeks leading up to Father's Day (thank you to the many who purchased!), getting a portion of the proceeds from what was sold. Did you miss out? Don't fret! We will be partnering again in the Fall to sell her AMAZING caramel sauce, which is a huge hit with any and everyone who's tried it. Stay tuned!!!

Tupperware Par-tay -- One of my nearest and dearest (shout out to you, Jenna; love you so!) offered to host a Tupperware party the weekend before school starts up here in the Mill, to help all of us mommas get organized just in time for the new school year! Which is funny, because my hub and I are in desperate need of Tupperware; so, when she called with the idea, I jumped on board right away! It is going to be a super fun, girls' night in, with several surprises being offered. And don't you worry, faraway family and friends in need of some new Tupperware (who doesn't?!), there will be an online extension of the party so you can partake, too! Stay tuned for more details on this as well!

Photo Session -- One of my closest friends just so happens to be the most amazingly talented photographer, love you with all my heart, Volree! She is just the best and will be offering photo sessions in the Fall and gifting all proceeds from the sessions directly toward our adoption. Do I have the most amazing friends in my life, or what? And for those who book with her, you may just notice a familiar photography assistant working by her side that day (hint, hint...me). :) Again, stay tuned!!! Volree Photography is truly incredible!

Pure Barre -- One of my greatest loves is Pure Barre (if you haven't gone yet, find your local studio and go, go, go!!!). I have been going to classes regularly for over a year now and love the friends I've made, the workouts I get, and the sense of accomplishment of lifting, toning, and burning. Anywho, in a date TBD, my local studio (fist bump to you, Pure Barre Fort Mill!!!) will so kindly be offering a class with all proceeds going toward our adoption! Local friends, be on the lookout for more details once they are nailed down! Warning, though: once you try, you just may be hooked and have to join me there regularly!

Paper Goods and Monograms -- Anyone who knows me knows I love a good craft. :) You can imagine my excitement when I received a Silhouette Cameo for my birthday last year (which is a super cool machine that is the same size as a small printer and comes with software that enables me to basically create just about anything and then cut it out on paper, vinyl, fabric, or heat transfer material. The possibilities are endless!). Since then, I have used it to make a number of paper and vinyl goods, including party supplies, monograms, and personalized items. This is perfect for anyone looking to personalize a party, add special flair to a teacher/friend/family member gift, or just cover everything you own in a monogram. :) I am happy to create these at any time, so please let me know if there is something you need. I will be advertising this more in the future, too! Below, some of the items I have created in the past:

Baked Goods -- Finally, anyone who knows me also knows that I am a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad cook who doesn't know cilantro from, well, some other herb or spice or anything that's not salt, pepper, or Old Bay; HOWEVER, I love, love, love to bake! That being said, I have plans to do a big, fun cupcake sale with UNIQUE cupcakes (can't wait to tell y'all more about this in the future!). In addition, I have recently begun selling homemade, hand-decorated, shortbread cookies, with all proceeds going straight to our adoption. While these are mainly for local friends, I am working on learning to ship so that I can offer these up to those who don't live near the Mill. Please let me know if you are interested!!! I am always looking to create fun, new custom orders. :) Here are a few of the cookies I have created to date:  

 

Whew. How's that for a smorgasbord of fundraising? Ha! Random, I know, but all things I love and feel comfortable offering to others so that services/goods are exchanged in return for any proceeds. Hopefully, each effort will bring us one step closer to bringing our daughter home. Let me know if I can be of service to you! <3